Tampico is located in the southeastern part of the state, directly north across the border from Veracruz. The name "Tampico" is of Huastec origin: tam-piko, meaning "place of otters" (literally "water dogs"), because our city is surrounded by rivers and lagoons that were the habitat of a large population of otters. Our city was founded on April 13, 1823, though there had been a series of human settlements in the area for centuries. The region had several early Huastec settlements.

Economic development during the 1920s made the city a pioneer in the aviation and soda industries. Oil is the chief export, but the city also is a major exporter of silver, copper, and lumber, together with wool, hemp, and other agricultural products. Tampico's downtown architecture is an eclectic mix and reflects the growth of the city during the Porfiriato (the period of rule by President Porfirio Díaz). Many buildings include the Neo-classical Town Hall, and the English redbrick Customs House in the docks. The prevalence of New Orleans-style architecture is attributed to the early years of the city, when many building supplies, including pre-built housing components, were shipped from that city to the area during its initial construction.